Ethical Apparel Procurement
Ensuring more ethical and transparent procurement processes is part of Ontario’s economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure, and support an innovative business climate.
On January 14, 2014, Ontario introduced new rules for procuring government apparel to ensure it is purchasing from responsible manufacturers who follow their local laws regarding the ethical treatment of their employees.
The new requirements are mandatory for apparel purchases valued at or above $5,000 and contracts may be cancelled if the requirements are not followed.
Ontario now requires its apparel vendors to confirm their products are made in compliance with all local laws governing labour and working conditions. Vendors must also provide the names and addresses of the manufacturers they use to produce the apparel they supply.
The government makes this manufacturer information available to the public in the Responsible Manufacturers Information report (PDF). The report is completed based on information provided by vendors at the time of procurement.
